About

Bonjour my Lovely,

Wonderful to meet you!

I'm Jo, Provence Retreat Host, London-based Executive PA, part-time Provence resident and full-time Provence dreamer.

WELCOME TO MY HOME ON THE WEB... I’M SO EXCITED YOU’RE HERE, AND I LITERALLY CAN'T WAIT TO WELCOME YOU TO LA BERGERIE!

Fun facts about me: I'm a self-confessed French-Farmhouse nut, a plant nerd, a Madeleine-making machine, and mum to two über tall teenage boys. A country girl at heart: my story starts with growing up on a self-sufficient farm in the south-east of England, living a real-life version of 'The Good Life' :)

Current obsessions include: morning light, the smell of pine trees in the sun, juicy nectarines, perfectly chilled rosé and ALL the French cheeses. Oh and brocante markets, mountain hiking, wild swimming, starry nights, hazy lavender fields, movies with my boys and cozy winter nights by the fire after a day of truffle-hunting.

I'm passionate about eating seasonally and locally - it's the best thing we can do for ourselves and the planet. I’m an avid gardener with dreams of one day planting a self-sufficient veg garden at La Bergerie. I'm allergic to Provençal bee stings, and I really can’t sing (these two traits aren't connected in any way, that I know of). I also once bought a 5-acre French farm with a rosé-coloured farmhouse after seeing it just one time.

There’s always something interesting afoot here, and I’m so excited to share this adventure with you!

Want to know More?

Read On...

Ok, So Why Provence?

(Hint: This region is literally 'film-set-beautiful')

This naturally abundant & outstandingly gorgeous corner of France really does have it all. As rain-weary Brits the outdoors lifestyle on offer in Provence truly is the #1 reason for most. But also the unique quality of light; the intense flavours of fresh produce; the world-class rosé; the wonderful focus on family gatherings; and of course the 1000s of swoon-worthy photo opportunities. I'm often heard muttering "ooh such perfect light!" while reaching for my camera and literally dropping whatever I'm doing. My family have, thankfully, come to terms with this :)

I have this dream...

(It's more like a highly focussed life plan. I'm definitely a 'do-er')

...a dream i've been working towards for some time. Of moving to the Provence countryside and living a way simpler life than I do in the uk. The dream looks a little like this: doing up an old farmhouse, tending vines & olive trees, welcoming family & friends from around the globe to share in the magic of this exceptional region. And simply doing my joyful retreat hosting thing year round.

So i've been dreaming. And dreaming some more...

...and found this beautifully simple place in Provence with a few acres (a rustic farmhouse called 'La Bergerie'). The doors of La Bergerie are now open, and this special place is more than ready to be enjoyed by retreat leaders and their guests throughout the year. Piece-by-piece I'm gradually building the life in Provence i've always dreamed of ♡. This picture of La Bergerie, taken on my first (& only) property viewing, just before I owned her, is one of my favourites - it reminds me how far I've come, but also how far I've yet to go....

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